Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves are not all made for the same job. Makers sell some for bag and pad work and some specifically for sparring. At least one is sold for bag and mitt work only, with a warning never to use it for sparring. If you plan to spar, check what the maker says a glove is for.

Most are sold by weight in ounces, though at least one is sized S to XL. Ask whether your club expects a particular weight for sparring. For competition, England Boxing's rules set the glove weight by the boxer's bodyweight and allow only certain brands (Rule 8.2).

Hook-and-loop straps let you put gloves on and off without help. Lace-ups need someone to tie them, but some glove makers say laces give a closer, more tailored fit than hook-and-loop.

Outers range from synthetic to genuine leather, which needs more care. Layer counts and named foams are manufacturer descriptions, not independent test results.